Spring Arizona road trip - Sedona (Subway Cave hiking) and Phoenix
Photo taken from the famous Subway Cave near Sedona, ArizonaCheck out our youtube video for this trip!
Table of Contents
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Hole in the Rock
Footprint Center
Roosevelt Row
It was our very first trip in about 6 months or so. The reason for the long hiatus? Please read on to find out.
Inclement weather has affected our willingness to get out
Inclement weather had a significant impact on our desire to go out and engage in activities, especially outdoor activities. As you all know (at least in the US), weather was extremely unstable in the last winter which made it very difficult to leave the comfort of our home. We didn't want to risk getting caught in a hazardous condition and face unnecessary danger, albeit the duration and the frequency of the extreme weather was too long and too often . As a result, we were getting too weary and impatient for fresh air by the day.
Needed an upgrade to our camping/travel setup
While being stuck at home, I tried to make the most of my time trying to upgrade our camping setup, mainly our sleeping platform and storage. Our current setup was made using plastic garage storage shelf system that come with connecting pins. It's a very simple setup that provides a flat sleeping surface and we've been fairly happy with it so far. The biggest con though, is that there are no room for storage underneath so that all our gear has to be placed on top of the platform. There is a lot of energy exerted to load and unload all the camping equipment and since we tend to move to a different location everyday, it can get tiresome quickly. Plus, it didn't feel safe visiting any cities or towns with all that gear hanging around in the back of our car; I've seen so many people become victims of smash and grab theft over the years and I wanted to prevent that from happening to us as much as possible. The new setup will help get everything out of sight of potential thieves, which will give us a higher level of peace of mind.
Lots of research and learning new skills
I've never been a handy person in my life. Consequently, my first inclination was to look for (or pay for) an existing solution. The closest thing to my ideal setup was this. Two problems with it though are: a. too expensive, b. not enough storage underneath. So I ultimately had to turn to a DIY solution and it took me a long time to figure out what type of build would be the best for us. There were so many questions to answer: what material should I use? what's the overall budget? should I prioritize speed of build over robustness? how much storage should I practically shoot for? How much headroom should I sacrifice? etc. To answer all these questions, I had to educate myself on a lot of things. It was frustrating and time consuming to learn new skills and come up with my own engineering solution. However, as I allowed myself work on my own pace, things started coming together. The whole process has been rewarding and fun. I'll make sure to share the new setup in future posts.
We learned a couple of things while traveling in Sedona that we wanted to share here. I hope it helps whoever is planning a trip here.
Plan where you will sleep
Flagstaff or Sedona
Flagstaff and Sedona are both popular tourist destinations in Arizona, each offering a unique experience. Flagstaff is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, as well as its rich history and culture. Sedona, on the other hand, is famous for its stunning red rock formations, spiritual energy and wellness retreats. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, each city has something special to offer. When it comes to hotel prices in Flagstaff and Sedona, there are a variety of options available to travelers. In general, Sedona tends to be a more expensive destination due to its popularity and stunning natural beauty. However, there are still affordable lodging options available in both Flagstaff and Sedona. We planned to stay the night in Flagstaff and visit Sedona in the morning for activities since it only takes around an hour between the two cities. Finding lodging is easier in Flagstaff and you don't have to deal with tourist crowds everywhere you go.
Dispersed camping or hotel
We absolutely prefer dispersed camping over staying at a hotel however, we had to spend the first 2 nights in a hotel in flagstaff. The reason being was that all the dispersed camping sites we could find in Flagstaff were all closed because of recent damage incurred by inclement weather. Luckily, we were able to find a good deal for a hotel room quickly and had a nice stay there. I suggest you do plenty of research beforehand and always have a plan B.
Plan what you will do
Hiking
We wanted to hike the famous Subway Cave trail in Sedona. It features an easy-to-navigate trail that winds through stunning sandstone formations and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The highlight of the hike is a unique cave formation that visitors can explore, which adds to the allure of the trail. Additionally, the trail is suitable for hikers of all levels and makes for a great family-friendly outdoor activity; we got distracted by a fellow hiker and wasted a bit of time and energy going off the trail but as long as you stay on the main trail, you should be fine. Having a trail map is a good idea too since there is no signs on trail to direct you where to go. It takes about 4 hours round trip and not too challenging. The view you see at the end is well worth the crowd and hot weather (It was an early morning, 7:30 ish, on a weekday in April and it was still fairly high in temps and a lot of people). Oh, don’t forget to pay the $5 fee online and register your vehicle’s plate number before you head off on the trail. Check out this link for more info. Check out our photos from the hike below.
Off-roading (ATVs or Side by Sides)
Off-roading in Sedona is a thrilling way to explore this picturesque desert town in Arizona. With its stunning red rock formations, challenging off-road trails, Sedona is a dream destination for offroaders. The town has plenty of resources for offroad enthusiasts, including vehicle rentals and even guided tours on jeeps. We rented a side-by-side for a couple of hours last time we were in Sedona and let me tell you, it was probably the most fun I've ever had in my life in outdoors. I definitely recommend this.
Guided tour
When it comes to exploring the natural beauty of Sedona, taking a guided tour can be an excellent option. With so many unique rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic vistas to explore, a knowledgeable guide can help you make the most of your time in this stunning location. Whether you're interested in hiking, mountain biking, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, there are plenty of guided tours available to suit your interests and skill level. Some popular options include jeep tours that take you off the beaten path and offer exclusive access to remote locations, as well as walking tours that provide a more intimate look at Sedona's history and culture.
Local attractions
Here are some of the popular places in Sedona we checked out. Check out our photos we took while visiting these spots below.
Plan what you will eat
Flagstaff and Sedona are known for their diverse culinary scenes, offering a range of local and international cuisine. In Flagstaff, you can try the famous Navajo tacos, made with frybread and topped with chili or other ingredients. The city is also home to several craft breweries that serve up unique beers and pub fare. In Sedona, you can indulge in Southwestern cuisine with a twist, such as cactus fries or prickly pear margaritas. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be found throughout both cities, making them great destinations for plant-based eaters. We tried to stay on budget and focused on hiking and sight seeing so couldn't try the unique local foods but we found an authentic Mexican restaurant right near our hotel and had the best tacos and burrito in our lives. Check out the photos we took at this restaurant below.
Expect a big crowd (everywhere you go)
Sedona is a popular tourist destination with stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. As a result, it's not uncommon to see large crowds of visitors exploring the city's many attractions, especially during peak travel seasons. The bustling downtown area is always packed with tourists looking to shop, dine, and experience the local culture. So if you're not particularly fond of huge crowds, it'd be better if you planned your visits for off vacation seasons and focused on week days.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
We departed Sedona, started driving south to Phoenix, and stopped by the Montezuma Castle National Monument; it is a well-preserved cliff dwelling that was built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago. Located in central Arizona, it is one of the most significant and accessible examples of ancient architecture in the Southwest region. The monument provides a unique insight into how these ancient people lived, survived, and thrived in an arid desert environment.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Hole in the Rock
Hole in the Rock is a famous geological formation located in Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The opening in the rock was formed by erosion and provides a stunning view of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike up to the top of the formation for a panoramic view of Phoenix and its skyline. It's a popular spot for photography, picnics, and watching the sunset.
Footprint Center
Footprint Center, previously known as the Talking Stick Resort Arena, is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix. It serves as the home court for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and hosts numerous other events like concerts, trade shows, and conventions. The arena has a seating capacity of up to 18,422 spectators and features state-of-the-art amenities like LED lighting systems and high-definition video screens.
Roosevelt Row
Roosevelt Row in Phoenix is a vibrant arts district that showcases local art, culture, and community. It is a hub for creativity, featuring numerous galleries, murals, and installations by local artists. With its lively atmosphere and diverse range of events and activities, Roosevelt Row has become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're interested in art, food, or live music, there's always something exciting happening on Roosevelt Row.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
We stayed our last night on this trip in a dispersed camp site off highway 74, which is not too far away from Phoenix. After driving on a rocky trail for about 10 minutes, we found our campsite. It was quite and secluded with other campers in good distance away. Had a great night sleep and headed home the next morning.
Dispersed camping refers to finding a spot to camp outside of designated campgrounds, often in national forests, BLM lands or other public lands. Highway 74 in Phoenix offers several options for dispersed camping, including the Tonto National Forest and the Sonoran Desert National Monument. However, it is important to note that dispersed camping comes with its own set of regulations and guidelines to follow, such as staying within designated areas and packing out all trash. Before setting up camp, be sure to check with the local authorities for any restrictions or permits required.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
There is so much to see and do in Arizona that we’ll definitely be going back for more adventures in the future. So thankful for this trip which was both safe and fun. It was something we desperately needed and a great way to start off our travels in 2023!